Location

Size

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

Baker Prairie is representative of the prairie that once existed on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains. It is the largest known tract of Ozark prairie that occurs on a chert substrate. The prairie harbors several species of plants and animals of special concern in Arkansas. Baker Prairie’s timely protection was especially important due to its location within the growing city of Harrison.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

Ongoing stewardship includes fence row removal, woody vegetation removal, regular prescribed burning, and control of non-native plant species, especially tall fescue. A 10-acre old field at the site is being restored using prairie seeds collected from the preserve. Volunteers from Harrison have been instrumental in the stewardship of Baker Prairie for many years.

Visiting the Preserve

There are two mowed loop trails, one on each side of Goblin Drive. Each trail takes visitors past a variety of native prairie plants. Baker Prairie has an abundance of flowering plants from late April through June with different wildflowers blooming in succession. Parking is available at the middle school adjacent to the middles school. There is also a pavilion and interpretive signs to guide your journey.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

LOCATION

EXPLORE

HIGHLIGHTS

Walk Among the Wildflowers

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From the intersection of Highway 65 and Business 65 (North Main) in Harrison, go west on Industrial Park Road. Go one mile and turn left on Goblin Drive, which bisects the preserve. Parking is available on the left side of the road in the Harrison High School lower parking lot.

Walk Among the Wildflowers

In addition to characteristic prairie grasses like big bluestem, little bluestem and Indian grass, keep an eye out for these colorful wildflowers:

Look and Listen for Animals

The prairie mole cricket is one of the largest insects in North America. Adapted for digging, its front legs resemble those of a mole. In early spring, male prairie mole crickets emerge from the soil and dig specialized tunnels at the surface with a chamber near the tunnel entrance. Every night for an hour after sunset, the male produces a mating call that is amplified by the tunnel system—one cricket can be heard over a quarter of a mile away!

The grasshopper sparrow takes its name from the insect-like quality of its song. It requires open, grassy areas for successful nesting.

The ornate box turtle, which can live for 100 years or more, is named for the intricate pattern of radiating yellow lines on its shell. This species survives only in unplowed grasslands. It is threatened by widespread habitat destruction and expanding highways, where the warmth of the pavement attracts them into the path of traffic.

The preserve features flat to gently sloping terrain in open sunlight. A short interpretive trail meanders through the prairie. Sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen/sun hat and insect repellent are recommended.

The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.